Located at the intersection of Allen Parkway and Montrose Boulevard, the Ismaili Center Houston was commissioned by His Highness the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network. As part of a global network of Ismaili Centers in cities including London, Lisbon, Dubai, Dushanbe, Vancouver, and Toronto, the building reflects a shared commitment to pluralism, dialogue, and civic engagement while responding to its local context.
Conceived as an ambassadorial space, the Center hosts cultural, educational, and social events ranging from exhibitions and performances to lectures and community gatherings. Alongside spaces for prayer and quiet reflection, it serves as the administrative headquarters of the Ismaili community in the United States. Through its open architecture and public programming, the Ismaili Center Houston aims to foster understanding across cultures and faiths, embodying the values of service, exchange, and inclusivity central to the Ismaili tradition.